2003 Honda VTX1300 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2003 Honda VTX1300 sits mid-pack among VTX1300 years: 42 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 43, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
Steering leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (31% of the total).
42
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2003 compare to other VTX1300 years?
What are the most common 2003 Honda VTX1300 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 13 | 31% | new |
| Suspension | 11 | 26% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 7 | 17% | new |
| Speed Control | 5 | 12% | new |
| Transmission | 2 | 5% | new |
| Electrical System | 2 | 5% | new |
| Engine | 1 | 2% | new |
| Other | 1 | 2% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE - 2003 HONDA VTX S/R MODEL PROBLEM IS FRONT END WOBBLE AT 45-35 MPH WHEN DECELERATING. I REPLACED FRONT AND REAR TIRES AT JUST OVER 9000 MILES. BEFORE I REPLACED THE FRONT TIRE THE WOBBLE WAS GETTING WORSE. AFTER I REPLACED THE FRONT TIRE I NOTICED THAT THE WOBBLE IS GONE BUT I CAN STILL…”
“VEHICLE - 2003 HONDA VTX S/R MODEL PROBLEM IS FRONT END WOBBLE AT 45-35 MPH WHEN DECELERATING. I REPLACED FRONT AND REAR TIRES AT JUST OVER 9000 MILES. BEFORE I REPLACED THE FRONT TIRE THE WOBBLE WAS GETTING WORSE. AFTER I REPLACED THE FRONT TIRE I NOTICED THAT THE WOBBLE IS GONE BUT I CAN STILL…”
“THE DUNLOP TIRES ON MY MOTORCYCLE HAVE "C" SHAPED CUTS IN THEM. I AM ON MY 2ND SET OF TIRES WITH THIS DEFECT IN MY TIRE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE TIRED DID NOT "LAMINATE" PROPERLY. I TRIED TO RESOLVE THIS WITH DUNLOP BUT HAD NO SUCCESS AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO REPLACE THE TIRES AGAIN AS THEY ARE MAKING ME…”
“THE SPEEDOMETER ON THIS VEHICLE IS OFF ABOUT 10 PERCENT, READING ON THE HIGH SIDE. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS THE NECESSARY CONSTANT MENTAL CALCULATIONS ARE A DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING IN BUSY TRAFFIC. DRIVING ACCORDING TO THE INDICATED SPEED PUTS ONE AT VERY INCREASED DANGER OF BEING REAR-ENDED…”
“I OWN A 2003 HONDA VTX1300S MOTORCYCLE. THIS BIKE IS SHAFT DRIVE. WHILE RIDING THROUGH TOWN THE SWING ARM SEPARATED FROM THE REAR WHEEL DO TO THE SPOT WELDS BRAKING ON THE DRIVE SHAFT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE. THIS CAUSED THE BIKE TO TWIST WILDLY DO TO THE REAR WHEEL ONLY BEING SUPPORTED ON ONE SIDE…”
2003 Honda VTX1300 — common questions
Is the 2003 Honda VTX1300 reliable?
It is close to typical for the VTX1300: 42 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2003 VTX1300 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (13 complaints), suspension (11 complaints), tires & wheels (7 complaints).
Does the 2003 Honda VTX1300 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Honda VTX1300.
Which Honda VTX1300 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the VTX1300 years to avoid are 2004. The cleanest record among VTX1300 years belongs to 2009.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.